POLICE have offered a £40,000 reward to anyone that can help them solve the mystery of the linked murders of a schoolgirl and Playboy Bunny – more than 40 years after their brutal killings.

Model and bunny girl Eve Stratford, 22, was found dead at her flat in Leyton, east London, with a nylon stocking tied around her ankles, a scarf around her hands and up to 12 slashes across her throat.

Six months later, in September 1975, teenager Lynne Weedon, 16, was found by a local school caretaker fighting for her life having been raped and her skull smashed.

Her body was dumped in an electricity sub-station in Hounslow, west London.

She died after a week in hospital and her murder was not linked with Ms Stratford's until 2006, when a review and advances in technology found the same DNA on both victims.

Scotland Yard believe the killer, who could now be in his 60s or 70s, must have let details of his secret slip over the years and are now offering a £40,000 reward for information leading to the identification, arrest and prosecution.

Met Police Detective Chief Inspector Noel McHugh said: "DNA work is complex and lengthy and we are still following this line of enquiry.

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Eve Stratford

I firmly believe there is someone out there who has information about who carried out these murders

Met Police Detective Chief Inspector Noel McHugh

"However, I firmly believe there is someone out there who has information about who carried out these murders.

"It's inconceivable the killer of Eve and Lynne has kept the perfect secret for 40 years.

"It's a heavy burden to carry and he must have let details slip over the years - maybe to a partner, a friend, even a cellmate - and I would appeal to anyone with information to contact us."

Mr McHugh appealed in particular to mental health professionals and prison officers who may have received disclosures from a patient or prisoner.

Police believe it is possible the killer knew his victims, who it is believed didn't know each other, and also knew the Hounslow area very well as the alleyway was isolated.

Ms Stratford was last seen walking alone through the snow towards her home in Lyndhurst Drive, Leyton at about 4pm in March 1975.

A neighbour heard voices then a loud thud in Ms Stratford's flat before her boyfriend found her an hour and a half later.

Ms Stratford's father, her last living relative, has since died without finding out who killed her or why.

Ms Weedon was on her way home after an evening with friends and police believe she was followed from the A4 Great West Road into an alleyway where she was attacked then thrown over a fence into an electricity sub-station.

Her parents, both in their 80s, said they are still waiting for answers.

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Lynne Weedon

Ms Weedon's mother, Margaret described the murder 40 years ago as a "true life sentence" for the family.

She said: "We have missed out on so much; she missed out on life, no relationship or marriage, no career or children or even just travelling the world, all taken from her.

"We are left 40 years on always wondering what it would have been like.

"We are well aware that whoever murdered Lynne also murdered Eve Stratford. That young lady also had her life snubbed out. Her family have died now. Another true life sentence.

"The hurt eases but the pain still sits deep somewhere inside. There are so many questions. So many thoughts. So much heartache."

Appealing to anyone with information directly, she added: "I will make a mother's plea for anyone who can tell us some information about the person who took my daughter and Eve Stratford's lives to come forward.

"Please, please give us some sort of closure."

Anyone with information is asked to call the incident room on 020 8785 8099 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.